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Author Archives: barnabyharward
Regards and respect
I regularly see mistakes with phrases using the words “regards” or “respect”. There are several of these phrases in English, but they are easily confused and mixed up. For example, phrases like in respect to and with regards to are incorrect. Here … Continue reading
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Tagged Clear and concise writing, Prepositions, Useful everyday phrases
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More on conditionals – “will” in the if-clause
“Will” may be used in the same was as “would” in the if-clause of a conditional sentence in polite conditionals: If you will come this way, I’ll show you to the manager’s office. We also sometimes use “will” in the … Continue reading
“According to…” and “in accordance with…”
Although these phrases are often used interchangeably they have slightly different meanings, so we should be careful how we use them. “According to…” is usually used when you restate something someone told you or something you have heard or read … Continue reading
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Tagged Clear and concise writing, Commas, Useful everyday phrases
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Giving notice
There are two ways of expressing a notice period, as follows: Under Clause 4.2 one month’s notice is required in order to terminate the agreement. Under Clause 4.2 a one-month notice period is required in order to terminate the agreement. … Continue reading
Out of office messages
People often make mistakes in their automatic out of office messages. This can make a bad impression, especially if there are basic spelling or grammar mistakes – which is often the case, as such messages tend to be written at … Continue reading
The difference between “money” and “monies” (or “moneys”)
In everyday English the word “money” is uncountable. It is not used in the plural. We say, e.g. I found some money under the bed / There is some money under the bed, whether it is one 1 cent coin … Continue reading
How to use the word “consent”
In general, the word “consent” can be used in two different ways: (i) as an uncountable noun – this refers to the concept/idea of consent The management board must obtain prior written consent from the Shareholders’ Meeting in order to perform certain … Continue reading
How to use the word “consult”
The verb “consult” has three different meanings and accordingly behaves in three different ways. It is important to ensure your grammar and sentence structure match the meaning you intend. 1. “Consult” usually means “to seek advice or information”. It is … Continue reading
How to use the word “account” (part 2)
Meanings of “account” As I said in the previous post, the word “account” can mean a variety of things. Below is a list of common meanings and uses of the word. As a noun a bank account a record of … Continue reading
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Tagged Clear and concise writing, Idioms, Nouns, Useful everyday phrases
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How to use the word “account” (part 1)
The word “account” can mean a variety of things, depending on the context in which it is used. It also has many idiomatic uses. As a result, if not used with great care, the word can cause ambiguity and make … Continue reading
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Tagged Clear and concise writing, Idioms, Nouns, Useful everyday phrases
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Common Mistakes in Business English 